Claire Morgan 15/04/2025 Member Stories

I’ve been in hospital for an operation to remove a swollen gland on my thyroid. It was an overnight stay for surgery, and I was very anxious. I needed a general anaesthetic.

The staff were very good – they explained things and even brought in a TV and some blankets and a pillow so my mum could stay in the room with me overnight.  They let her go down to theatre with me and she was in the Recovery ward when I woke up from the anaesthetic.  I’m not in any pain now and I have a check up appointment in early May.  You can barely see the scar.

It made such a difference that the staff allowed mum to stay with me.  I asked for my own room so that mum could be with me, and they gave me one. Offering these adjustments such as my own room and letting mum stay with me made such a difference.   It wasn’t very nice being ‘nil by mouth’ before surgery and I enjoyed the meals after the operation.

When they put the canula in my hand, I insisted on a pink one and I got what I wanted!  I let them take bloods without even using the numbing cream – I think I was having one of my ‘brave days’.  I think it was also because the staff were thoughtful and took the time to explain things.

Anyway, things are back to normal now.  I’ve started going back to my Drag sessions with House of Deviant.  We’re all coming up on the train together to AdFest this year as House of Deviant are taking part in AdFest. 

I’m meeting a friend from Scotland in Cardiff tomorrow – she’s come down with her mum (who is an author of fantasy novels) and me, Sophie and Simon are going to meet up with her in Kiwis for drinks and karaoke.

My flat isn’t ready yet but….there’s a flat visit on 9^th May and it looks as if I’ll be moving in at the end of June!  I’ve got loads of stuff ready for moving in.